7 Things You Should Be Doing For Your Cat (but probably aren’t)

1. Wash the cat bed.Wash it frequently, and in very hot water so that the harmful bacteria it can harbour—like MRSA—are killed.

2. Provide a huge variety of exercise opportunitiesMix up which toys your cat has available—rotating her favourites will make your cat all the more interested in playtime. Coming up with simulated hunting and play opportunities will keep your cat mentally and physically agile.

3. Wash your cat’s food and water dishes weekly (at the very least)Bacteria can grow on cat dishes and lead to skin problems (the misleadingly named “cat acne” is one example).

4. Give your cat positive attention when she is displaying good behaviour.Don’t miss an opportunity to reinforce good behaviour like scratching on the scratching post or coming to you when you call (it can be done!). Why not try out clicker training?

5. Change the LitterWe have one question for you – when did you last change the litter? (Be honest!) Ultimately, you should be scooping your cat’s litter box once a day (more often if multiple cats are using the same box) Failure to do so can lead to elimination in inappropriate areas.

6. Read that cat food label!Most of us feed our cats the same food day in and day out, which means your putting an awful lot of faith in your brand of choice providing what it says it does. For starters, you should be looking for a high quality protein source—no mystery meats!—a lower percentage of grain-based protein, and no unnecessary additives like artificial colours and flavours.

7. Subscribe to Modern Cat magazineOh wait. You already knocked that off the list. Great job!